Training Log Archive: nmulder

Drove back from Italy to Switzerland.

WOC Relay : Campumulo 1:10'000

Feeling a bit better for this race, but still very low energy levels. I got to sit in quarantine for 4 hours whilst Eugene, then Michael ran their legs. Both did decent results, but I still got mass-started (only a few minutes short) together with China and Hong Kong.

I went further right then the other 2 to #1, but we all came together on top of the big hill and all had the same control. Then lost sight of China for a while, but HKG was with me for the next few controls. Had a big messup at #3, loosing at least 30s, but HKG was following, so no advantage to him. Settled down after that and led everyone into #5 and 6. Then long leg where I was slightly left attacking the control. Through the next loop just didn't have enough speed to drop the two teams and led them in some controls, but I eventually opened a slight gap at #11 even though I was hesitant approaching it. By the run-through, had dropped HKG, with CHN about 30s behind and closing. Got told by team that I had a good elapsed time on both after 2 legs, but I was determined anyway to beat them on the line. Took safe handrails to next 2 controls, with CHN racing neck and neck. He then pulled away on long leg to #16 on the road, but he must as fluffed it again as I got there ahead of him. Led to #17, but he pulled away on the down to #18 to seal the lead. I tried to keep as close as possible into the finish.

In the end we finished 32nd out of 34 with HKG and CHN behind. Big gap to USA SLO JPN and CAN ahead though. Unfortunately no teams dsq'ed, but it was nice to have 2 teams behind us again.

No activity. Still ill, but went to watch Eugene and Mich at the Middle Final.

Bed again.

WOC Long Final : Lavarone 1:15'000

I've never arrived at a WOC event with so little prep, even compared to last year's disaster in Finland. No training at all in terrain until I hit the warm-up map 30 mins before my start.

Very long run from pre-start to start on top of a ski slope. Got off to a decentish start. Got caught by Ogden +2 at 3rd control. Then I took the best route choice to #4, the first long leg where +4 caught me. I paced myself well through most of the course and took good or decent route choices. Maybe was a bit slow in map reading to #12. Caught Guy to #15, which perked me up. Then a technical loop that included a butterfly. Managed this well enough and dropped him, with Robbie A coming past at a pace I normally would have easily coped with.

Final section took us to the Arena before a final loop. I suffered badly from the arena onwards, loosing a lot of time. Less ilness, a stronger finish and better speed could easliy have saved me more than 20 minutes and put me near 60th with Eric and Robbie.

In the end, 67th out of 84, with +1:08:41 or 172%. a time of 2h20 would be about 150% which would be more normal for me.

So I have a goal for next year. First, get selected as the RSA runner for Long. Then achieve a Top 60 result.

Back in bed.

Before the WOC Mixed Relay we went to the Model map. I just walked around the area.

WOC Mixed Sprint Relay: Trento 1:4'000

Ran 3rd leg for RSA with Michele, Michael and Sarah after me. Both Michele and Michael mispunched, but I didn't know it until I finished.

Went out in the change over 2nd last ahead of HKG, but didn't see them out there. Made a messup to #1 when I stopped short in the wrong open block. Then better for a most of the race. Started getting tired again on long leg to #10. Saw the teams ahead and noted that they were pulling away. It started raining about here and the slick cobbles and marble floors made things interesting. Made a poor route choice to #14. Other then that no problems.

Team dsq'ed in the end. Would have stayed 2nd last.